An inspiration: Tributes as brave Oliver loses his fight for life

Oliver Diaz-Mills, four, suffered from a rare form of leukaemia and had a pioneering transplant operation with cells from an Australian baby’s umbilical cord. The procedure at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital was successful and he overcame several infections. But days after he left hospital his lungs began to fail. Medics battled to save him but he died last Tuesday.

A brave boy who inspired thousands of people to become bone marrow donors has lost his fight for life.

Oliver Diaz-Mills, four, suffered from a rare form of leukaemia and had a pioneering transplant operation with cells from an Australian baby’s umbilical cord. The procedure at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital was successful and he overcame several infections.

But days after he left hospital his lungs began to fail. Medics battled to save him but he died last Tuesday. Oliver was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February, which is rare in children his age and can’t be cured by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

M.E.N Media helped launch an international hunt for a bone marrow match as Oliver, whose dad Francis is from the Dominican Republic, had an unusual tissue type. Thousands of people from Greater Manchester were tested to see if they could help.

Mum Laura, from Furness Vale, High Peak, said: “Oliver was such a brave, special, wonderful child and he went through so much – more than you think an adult could cope with, let alone a small boy. He smiled through some very tough times and seemed to take everything in his stride, he had such strength, such bravery. She added: “We want to thank his consultant Rob Wynn at the children’s hospital who did everything, more than anyone could ask to help him.”

Dr Wynn said: “I and all the team on the transplant unit are devastated by what has happened. We send all our love and sympathy to the family for an incredible young man who touched us all.

“This is our business but we were always very fond of Oliver and it was always a pleasure to see him and his family.”

Oliver’s funeral will be held on Monday at 11.30am at St Mary’s Church, in Disley, Stockport.

The family have asked for donations to go to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Contact Jeremy Unsworth on 01663 742772.